Melinda French Gates has long been a leading force in philanthropy, technology, and gender equality. In June 2024, after nearly 24 years, she stepped down as co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the world’s largest private charitable organization, to focus on her independent philanthropic efforts. This move follows her 2021 divorce from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, from which she received a settlement now valued at approximately $29 billion.
In May 2024, French Gates reaffirmed her dedication to empowering women and girls, announcing a $1 billion donation over three years to close the gender gap and advance women’s rights. Through her organization, Pivotal Ventures, she has targeted investments and advocacy toward key areas like reproductive health, paid family leave, and increasing funding for female entrepreneurs. French Gates has been clear in her mission: supporting women is not just a moral imperative but an economic necessity. Studies show that closing gender gaps in the workforce could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025.
Her philanthropic journey began with the founding of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000, where she and her ex-husband donated over $59 billion to causes ranging from global health to education. However, her individual efforts through Pivotal Ventures aim to address systemic barriers women face, particularly in underrepresented sectors like technology.
French Gates’ departure from the foundation marks a new chapter in her already impactful career, with a clear focus on advancing women’s rights and economic equality. With her leadership and financial power, Melinda French Gates continues to be a transformative figure in global philanthropy, paving the way for a more inclusive future for women worldwide.
